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Despite clear rules and warning signs, reckless overtaking and speeding have turned the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose bridge, a vital connector between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, into a daily hazard for thousands of commuters.
The bridge, structurally designed with two wide lanes equivalent to three standard ones, is marked with a continuous double yellow line prohibiting overtaking in either direction. Yet, every day, vehicles ranging from two-wheelers to 16-wheeler trucks are seen flouting this rule, veering into the wrong lane to swerve past others, creating dangerous situations and, often, narrow escapes from collisions.
A Crucial Link, a Growing Risk
As one of the most heavily used routes between the twin cities, the Netaji Setu is meant to streamline the massive volume of daily traffic. However, indiscipline among drivers has created growing safety concerns.
Local commuters say they are forced to adapt their driving habits to avoid oncoming vehicles intruding into their lane. The fear is particularly acute among two-wheeler riders and families, who often find themselves inches away from high-speed vehicles crossing over recklessly.
"I always stick to the farthest end of the bridge because cars race in at fast speeds from the opposite end and enter your lane all of a sudden. I carry my kids with me and simply pray that I reach the other end of the bridge safely," said Kishore Das, a daily commuter on a two-wheeler.
Although signage warning against overtaking has been put up at strategic points, including at the Judicial Academy Square entry point and intervals across the stretch, compliance remains low.
The designated speed limit on the bridge is 30 km/h, but drivers are often seen breaching this by a wide margin, with some vehicles clocking speeds above 60 km/h.
"One can see that vehicles regularly ply on the wrong lane. It is because they are not aware of the rules. At times, it is also because many simply want to race through the bridge without realising that they are putting hundreds at risk," said Sai Mohanty, another commuter.
Police Aware, But Violations Continue
Acknowledging the violations, the Twin City Commissionerate Police has undertaken several awareness and vigilance initiatives. Traffic inspector Sanjib Kumar Sahu confirmed that despite repeated warnings, many drivers continue to ignore the rules, either out of ignorance or wilful negligence.
"The bridge sees heavy traffic every day. We monitor the flow and have carried out several awareness and vigilance programs to make people follow the rules. It is unfortunate that several people, despite noting the signs, pay no heed to them at all," said Inspector Sahu.
In response, authorities are now planning to step up enforcement measures. Proposals include the installation of artificial intelligence (AI)-based speed monitoring systems, surveillance cameras, and surprise checks to catch offenders in the act.
The Commissionerate Police is also expected to begin penal action against repeated violators to ensure stricter compliance.
(Reported by Mohammed Imteshal Karim)
